Christian Music Does NOT Exist (and it never has)
I do not believe in the illusive myth known as the ‘Christian music industry’. There have been many people who have claimed to get a glimpse of it, in passing, at a Walmart or Target while stocking the illusive megatons like Kanye and Muse but I simply don’t buy it. Some have claimed to go to festivals where the music flowed like honey but the vast consumerism of the event rang like red so loudly in ones ears they were forced to run with hands clasped around their ears. I will concur that blurry video of the scene has been captured by amateur camera men, but that evidence in itself is inadmissible and weak at best. I will also agree that music execs have added divisions to their record labels that they have labeled "Christian" but this was always simply a marketing strategy to bring in the religious buck.
In a recent conversation with my mentor I was informed of a man who actually was a "Christian" musician. Apparently he had the design company add a small tag line to the bottom of his jacket art that read "If you cannot afford this music please contact us and we will send it to you free of charge".
What? Is this some kind of right wing nut? Doesn’t he know that he has to sell his art to get any respect? Doesn’t he know that people should have to pay to listen to his wonderful songs about returning to Egypt? Shouldn’t he get paid so he can live in the hills of California with a big pool and a maid?
Or did this guy have a different definition of what "Christian music" really means?
hey dustin I am in right next to Juliard in best buy and its awesome! 24 inch of imac! see ya soon.
I am standing across from keith Green in best buy in NYC. that is really funny. haha
Keith Green… what an amazing man! With an amazing heart!
Sorry, you’re not getting the short story from me today. Even while I was only a tween, uncle John bought Ears to Hear for my mom for Christmas one year. Vinyl of course. I played it to death, and as we were not wealthy enough to buy music, mom sent a request for Shepherd and Egypt on cassette. I was a subscriber of the Last Days Newsletter which opened my eyes to the abortion trends in America for the first time. Then just a few days after my 13th birthday my mom sat me down to share the bad news of his death. I never personally saw him in concert aside from the memorial service John, Chuck and your mom took me to at the King Dome in Seattle. But my sister saw him at the UPS field house, I heard later. I would highly recommend the book No Compromise – I read it for the first time a few years ago, and I wondered why I couldn’t be more like this. A modern servant of Christ, completely sold out, a Jesus Freak. I love that he freely gave and allowed God to provide him everything he needed. He demonstrated a faith that we could really benefit from seeing again. I personally don’t mind that Christian musicians charge for their stuff. They have to provide for their families and production of their merch, just like >ahem< a photographer or graphic designer does. Christian music is available for free via the radio. Bottom line is, he chose to do it because God gave him the burden to reach millions and he did it with reckless abandon – a passion I admire. I have hidden the scripture he sang away in my heart without even realizing it. I believe when we are willing to be used, when we say ‘yes’ to Jesus, he does the rest. Even if John or Jane Doe have to pay for a disc or concert. He is moving. Thanks for your kind words about Keith. He was an example I will never forget. Thank you, Jesus.
bro. what planet do you live on? think it doesnt take money to produce and execute music?
Ministry should always be free..
But the business must be there, or else you wont be able to do it.
keith Green was a pot smokin daredevil who killed himself and his kids because he overloadded his plane showing off to some friends of his in Lindale, TX
Sure, he was a good songwriter and was charismatic, but he wasnt the saint some people say he is.
And, he was on a record label.. the reason he went to donations was to piss off his label.
So…. get the facts straight.